Jaguar E-PACE

Jaguar's E-Pace, which is the brand's small luxury SUV, came out for the 2018 model year and gets a few updates for 2021. On the outside it has more distinctive-looking headlights, a new grille and restyled wheels. More significant changes are inside: a new infotainment system and a larger curved touchscreen. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system has a quicker startup time and an easier-to-use interface. Jaguar also says this E-Pace is quieter.

You still get to choose from two turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines. The P250 and P250 SE models have an output of 246 horsepower, while the 300 Sport model gets a bump to 296 hp thanks to a boost from a mild hybrid system. That hybrid system increases fuel efficiency just enough that the 300 gets the same EPA-estimated fuel economy as the P250.

The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is one of the more athletic choices in a very competitive class of small SUVs that includes the Mercedes GLB and GLC, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. Overall, we think the E-Pace is worth checking out, especially if you prioritize performance and style.

Which E-PACE does MatoCar recommend?

The base P250 comes well equipped, but we think it's worth paying a little more for the P250 SE trim. Its upgrades include more driver aids, sharper-looking headlights and an upgraded infotainment system. To that, we'd add the Dynamic Handling Pack for its adaptive suspension as well as the upgraded Meridian surround-sound system.

The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is a small luxury SUV available in three trim levels: P250, P250 SE and 300 Sport. Powering the P250 and P250 SE models is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder (246 horsepower, 269 lb-ft of torque) while the 300 uses the same engine but adds mild hybrid functionality to increase power (296 hp, 295 lb-ft). Regardless of trim or engine, every E-Pace is all-wheel-drive and has a nine-speed automatic transmission. Highlighted standard features include:

P250 Comes generously equipped with:

18-inch alloy wheels
LED headlights
Chrome exterior trim
Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
Selectable drive modes
Leather seating surfaces
Power-adjustable, heated front seats
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Keyless entry with push-button start
11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Wireless device charging
Meridian audio system

Standard advanced driver aids:

Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
Driver attention warning (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Lane keeping assist (steers the E-Pace back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
Parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
360-degree camera system (gives you a top-down view of the E-Pace and its surroundings for tight parking situations)

P250 SE Extra features include:

Upgraded LED headlights
19-inch wheels
Power liftgate
Driver's seat memory settings
Upgraded touchscreen interface with navigation
Full digital instrument panel
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

300 Sport Besides the extra power, the 300 Sport builds on the P250 SE with:

Sportier exterior styling
Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling)
Foglights
Black exterior trim
20-inch wheels
Sport front seats
Black headliner
Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)

Many of the extra features from the higher trim levels are available as options on lower trims. Other notable options include:

Panoramic glass roof
Ventilated front seats
Heated rear seats
Cold Climate package (adds heating for the front seats, steering wheel and windshield)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front and can also react to traffic signs and set speed)
16-speaker surround-sound audio system